Objective To compare the curative effects of paraspinal muscle gap approach and traditional approach combined with injured vertebrae fixation in the treatment of thoracolumbar vertebrae fractures.Methods A total of 68 patients with thoracolumbar vertebrae fractures were divided into an observation group (n =35) and a control group (n =33).The observation group received vertebral pedicle screw fixation approached from paraspinal muscle gap in combination with injured vertebrae fixation,and the control group received vertebral pedicle screw fixation approached from the midline longitudinally in combination with injured vertebrae fixation.The perioperative indexes and complications during the follow-up visit were observed and recorded,and the anterior vertebral height ratio,vertebral canal occupancy rate,Cobb's angle and SF-36 scale scores were measured 12 months before and after the operation.Results The intraoperative bleeding volume,operation time,postoperative drainage volume and hospitalization time in the observation group were significantly shorter than or less than those in the control group(P < 0.05).Compared with the preoperative situation,the postoperative anterior vertebral height ratio in the two groups were significantly improved and the rate of spinal stenosis and Cobb's angle decreased significantly(P < 0.05),with the improvement in the observation group significantly better than that in the control group (P < 0.05).12 months after the operation,the SF-36 scores in the two groups significantly increased,and in terms of physical pain,vitality,and social function,the scores in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05).During the follow-up visits,there were no complications,such as incision infection,broken nail,broken rod or nail rod loosening,in the two groups.Conclusion Vertebral pedicle screw fixation approached from paraspinal muscle gap in combination with injured vertebrae fixation in the treatment of thoracolumbar vertebrae fractures will cause little surgical trauma and ensure faster recovery of patients,can improve the spinal stability and the quality of life of patients,is worthy of clinical use.